Mediation?????

[Chazzy1]

Hey :)

Was just wondering if any one has been taken to court by and ex that has had nothing to do with your child EVER! and now after 8 years has decided he would like a day out to the local court!

:)

Sadly it does happen and the presumption is that when children live with one parent they have the right to know and see the other parent in all but the most exceptional circumstances. It doesn't matter that a parent has been "absent" for a long time, generally it's accepted people do change and introducing or reintroducing contact is better for the child late rather than never.

However, introducing contact is done gradually possibly starting off with the absent parent establishing indirect contact by sending letters, cards, photos etc for some months before meeting the child for the first time. Initial meetings are short but if the parent is committed this can be built up to a few hours alone with the parent then the whole day and eventually overnight.

At the first court hearing it's usual to meet with a court advisory worker (CAFCASS) to see if any agreement can be reached before going in front of a judge. When no agreement can be reached the judge decides what information is to assist him/her make a decision and a timetable for future hearings is set. When there are welfare concerns CAFCASS are are asked to make a report.